Blackened Flying Fish with Green Seasoning Salsa
Pan-seared flying fish coated in a bold blend of spices, served with a fresh, herbaceous green seasoning salsa typical of Trinidadian coastal cuisine. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) flying fish fillets, paprika, ground black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each) flying fish fillets
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp salt to create the blackening spice.
- Step 2: Pat dry 4 flying fish fillets (6 oz each) and coat both sides evenly with the blackening spice.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until the edges are crispy and fish flakes easily.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine 4 chopped scallions, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 3 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Pulse until a coarse salsa forms with vibrant green color.
- Step 5: Serve the blackened flying fish fillets hot topped with the green seasoning salsa for a bright, aromatic contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blackened Flying Fish with Green Seasoning Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Blackened Flying Fish with Green Seasoning Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Blackened Flying Fish with Green Seasoning Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Blackened Flying Fish with Green Seasoning Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Blackened Flying Fish with Green Seasoning Salsa?
Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
